The Joys of Giving
- 24 Comment
Tuesday and Wednesday was spent visiting with the families of the two boys whom I sponsor through Children International here in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
This was my third time visiting and I’ve been fortunate to have Yaseni as my guide/translator each time. When she picked me up at the hotel Tuesday morning it was obvious that she was pregnant and told me that she was expecting in January.
The first visit was with Roberto, who turned 12 in June. We spent some time at his home then together with his mom and the social worker from CI, we headed out to go shopping and to get something to eat. I told them that we had 4500 pesos ($140) to spend. This is a lot for a family whose average monthly income is only $150. After shopping for groceries, we stopped off to buy some clothes and shoes then went to get something to eat.
Here are a few pictures of my visit with Roberto:
On Wednesday, it was my turn to visit with Bianny for a similar visit – spending time at the home and then going shopping and to get something to eat. Bianny’s family is a lot poorer than Roberto’s (with an average monthly income of $110) and so I told them that we had 6500 pesos ($200) to spend.
Here are a few pictures of my visit with Bianny - the first of the home where they live will show you what the conditions are like there:
One thing I noticed about my visits this time is that the kids were not as shy as on my previous visits. And I discovered that my minimal knowledge of Spanish is actually improving! I can’t say enough about the wonderful work that is being done by CI. Just seeing the looks on the kids’ faces when you visit is reward enough.
that’s the way I see it
24 Comments on this post
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blueyes said:
Wow, that is way beyond what giving means and I applaud you as should everybody else!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:16 pm -
jakill said:
I remember reading about your last visit, and the same kind of generosity not so long ago. It is a wonderful thing that you do. I applaud you too. And thanks for sharing the lovely pictures.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:02 pm -
Joy Ball said:
I also remember your post before that you have sponsors somewhere in mexico i think. All I can say is you're a good guy. It's nice to see people like you. Keep it up!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:07 pm -
sharkbytes said:
This is TOO cool. I got to go to Haiti once, and the children there were so poor, and so anxious to receive approval from those of us who were visiting. I love it that you got to meet the ones you sponsor in person.
November 13th, 2009 at 3:40 pm -
juliet said:
It looks like that you really enjoy being with them. Hope their still more people like you.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:59 pm -
Jude said:
Good job Robin it means so much I do what I can. When I was young and in an orphanage for 4 years sponsorship meant so much, bless you Robin.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:14 am -
Isolated Existence said:
Has to be a great feeling getting to meet them in person and to see first hand the joy your help brings to them. Thanks for sharing the pictures
November 14th, 2009 at 5:02 am -
Junk Drawer Kathy said:
I imagine it's unusual to meet the ones you sponsor. This is great! I love the pictures. And it doesn't hurt to hear what others get by on. Makes me appreciate things more. I think we all need a reminder now and again.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:48 am -
Andrew said:
Way to go Robin - doing wonders there Champ!!!
November 14th, 2009 at 11:56 am -
buckrobin said:
Thank you ..
My main reason for writing about this is to make people aware of what CI does for kids, not only in the DR but worldwide where they look after more than 300,000 kids.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm -
buckrobin said:
I am fortunate to be able to visit these kids and to see first hand what is being done. I remember before signing on with CI I had seen TV ads for other organizations and often wondered if the money given actually goes to help the kids. In the case of CI, you get to see the results.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:24 pm -
buckrobin said:
No, I don't actually have kids in Mexico that I sponsor, however, CI does have many in Mexico who are looking for sponsors. And thank you for the compliment - it's much appreciated.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:26 pm -
buckrobin said:
The kids in Haiti are a lot worse off, I'm afraid. There is currently a problem in the DR with kids being brought into the country and being put to work either as shoeshine boys or into prostitution.
I too feel that I'm fortunate to be able to visit the kids in person. This was my third visit and I'm hoping to return again next April.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:28 pm -
buckrobin said:
I thoroughly enjoy the amount of time that I spend with these kids and their families. And you're right in hoping their are more people willing to help out. It only takes $22 a month for each child and this goes a long way in helping them.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:30 pm -
buckrobin said:
Thank you for the kind words - it is much appreciated.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:31 pm -
buckrobin said:
The best part of sponsorship with CI is being able to visit with the kids in their homes and to meet their families and see how they live. To be given a hug when they see you arrive is worth more than anything.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:33 pm -
buckrobin said:
I'm not sure how other organizations such as World Vision operate, but one of the main reasons why I chose CI is that they allow visits with the kids in their homes and you can also visit their facilities to see the schools, medical and dental facilities etc and to meet the staff who do such a great job. And you're right - seeing what others have to make due with makes us appreciate more what we have - it's something we shouldn't overlook or take for granted.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:36 pm -
buckrobin said:
Thanks Andrew - your comment is much appreciated!
Cheers!
November 14th, 2009 at 2:36 pm -
czaroma said:
It's always good to see people that you sponsor. Your generosity is a big help for these kids. You'll be blessed even more for sharing and giving what you have. Keep up the good work!
November 16th, 2009 at 3:01 am -
WillOaks Studio said:
That is just a wonderful story and I applaud the work you're doing! Bravo! (really cute kids, too, and how wonderful to watch them grow up!)
November 16th, 2009 at 3:49 am -
buckrobin said:
Thank you for the kind words.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:16 am -
buckrobin said:
This has been my third visit and it's amazing how fast they DO grow and change when you see them only every 6 months or so.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:17 am -
Edwin said:
hello, i am from philippines and it is great to hear people sharing some love and concerns to other people. the pictures of the family above have a nice smile.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:16 am -
Cetvn said:
This is nice post. Thanks for sharing…
January 24th, 2010 at 5:26 am
